Probe after rugby player blinded

Police in Cumbria are investigating how a rugby player was blinded in one eye during an amateur match.

Farmer Alan Hedworth, 37, of Wigton, suffered the injury while playing for his team Aspatria Eagles against Whitehaven on 24 October.

The Rugby Football Union called in the police after surgery failed to save the sight in Mr Hedworth's left eye.

Cumbria police have appealed for people who were at the match, at Aspatria Rugby Club, to come forward.

A Cumbria Police spokeswoman said: "At the request of the Rugby Football Union, Cumbria Constabulary is investigating an incident during which a 37-year-old player incurred a serious facial injury.

"Police will be working with the Rugby Football Union to investigate the incident.

"Anyone who watched the match is asked to contact us."